BIG 10 Championship takes over Indy
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Penn State and Wisconsin fans are set to invade Indianapolis this weekend.
Saturday night the Big Ten Championship game will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium.
But the festivities began Friday afternoon.
Fan Fest began Friday morning and continues all day Saturday at the Convention Center.
“It’s going to be an awesome game for sure, lots of Penn State fans coming in and going to be a good time,” said Nick Lemon a Penn State.
“I think we’re going to do well. I’m excited to see the game. I’m excited to see them play Penn State,” said Garrett Hoyt, a Wisconsin fan.
This will be the 6th time Indy has hosted the championship game. Some 70,000 people are expected, bringing in $17 million.
“I really like bringing new audiences to Indy and really showcasing this city, said Ryan Vaughn, the president of Indiana Sports Corp.
The Corp. brings these tournaments to the city.
He says the city is on a pedestal just like the championship trophy.
“Putting Indy on a national and international media stage in a positive light is fun and so we got a whole new audience in Penn State who’s never been here before, some of which may be experiencing the city the first time,” said Vaughn.
“(It’s) cool so far, really cool. Lot of good bars, restaurants and seems like a really neat city. People are pretty nice,” said Lemon.
“When we were first here Lucas (Oil Stadium) was just a hole in the ground, and that was the last time I’d seen it. So now to see everything that’s come up around it, and actually see the building as it sits now, its pretty interesting,” said Hoyt.
But the weekend is about more than just football.
There’s two days of charity events planned around the game.
Friday morning, 45 volunteers from Allstate helped renovate the community center at Bethel Park
“It’s also about giving back to the community, making a mission of also impacting and giving back,” said Annie Hughes, a volunteer.
“It is fun, helping out people man. You know the young kids, the future of our country,” said Jorge Herrera, another volunteer.